Westport Native Wins Oscar For Best Song From 'La La Land'

Justin Paul, left, with Benj Pasek, at the 2017 Oscars.Photo Credit: ABC Screen GrabBenj Pasek and Justin Paul at the premiere of LaLa Land in Dec. 2016.Photo Credit: Pasek and Paul FacebookComposer Justin Paul grew up in Westport and is a Staples High graduate.Photo Credit: File

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WESTPORT, Conn. — "La La Land" was the star of the 89th Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 26, and Westport native Justin Paul was one of its winners.

The 2003 Staples High grad won the Oscar, along with his writing partner Benj Pasek, for Best Original Song for "City of Stars." Justin Hurwitz also won the Oscar for writing the music for the song.

The team beat out Justin Timberlake (for "Can't Stop The Feeling" from the movie "Trolls"), Sting (for "The Empty Chair" from the movie "Jim") and Lin-Manuel Miranda (from "How Far I'll Go" from the movie "Moana"). And they also beat themselves — they were also nominated in the category for the song "Audition (The Fools Who Dream)."

In his speech, Paul mentioned the fact that he went to public school and appreciated his teachers and education.

Paul and Pasek are also known for the score for the Broadway show "Dear Evan Hansen."

Hurwitz was a double winner Sunday night — he also picked up the Oscar for Best Original Score.

The trio also garnered the Golden Globe back in January, when "City of Stars" also won Best Original Song.